PHOTO: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, one of the city’s main attractions. (photo by David Cogswell)

Abu Dhabi has selected the site of its current temporary cruise terminal a site for its proposed permanent cruise terminal at Mina Zayed Port. The government plans to release a concept design during the first quarter and a more detailed plan during the second quarter.

The emirate is going all out to woo the cruise industry.

Addressing the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum held Dec. 9-11, 2013, at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said, “We want a state-of-the-art facility which meets all your requirements, including warehousing and cold storage. It’s essential to have your thoughts early in the planning process. We’re ready and eager to listen…”

Abu Dhabi has “some significant advantages,” said Al Muhairi. “Mina Zayed’s deep draught with its dedicated cruise quay walls means we can handle three or four cruise ships at one time. We have the capability.”

A team now working on the project “has identified a stretch of stunning beach on Delma Island and has the backing of the local municipality,” said Al Muhairi. “The site is known as Crystal Beach because of its unique, shimmering, mineral-rich sand. We will now commission design of a dedicated cruise stopover beach, with amenities, for a totally relaxing stopover. We aim to have this ready for inclusion in your 2015/2016 itineraries.”

Cruise passengers docking in the new port will be able to visit the expanding attractions on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, as well as upcoming attractions on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, due to open in 2015, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

Follow me on Twitter @CogswellTravelP.